Hypnotherapy & Hypno-Psychotherapy

Understanding How Hypnosis Can Support Positive Change

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of focused awareness and deep relaxation in which the therapist and client work together to access thoughts, memories, and internal resources that are often held at a subconscious level.

During hypnosis, and whilst working within the Trance state, we are able to access our subconscious and we are more receptive, allowing us to explore patterns, beliefs, and emotional responses that may be influencing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. In this relaxed, focused state, the subconscious mind can become more open to positive suggestion and new perspectives, which can support meaningful and lasting change.

Many people are surprised to learn that auto-hypnosis is something we experience naturally in everyday life.

For example, have you ever:

• Become absorbed in a film or television programme and briefly “zoned out”?

• Daydreamed and lost track of time?

• Arrived at your destination while driving and realised you can’t fully remember the journey?

These are all examples of natural trance states, where attention becomes inwardly focused and the mind enters a relaxed, receptive mode.

In a therapeutic setting, hypnosis simply allows us to use this natural ability intentionally, creating a calm and focused state where mental stress and physical tension can reduce while internal awareness increases.

Within this state, we can gently explore and begin to transform negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs, or emotional responses that may be affecting your wellbeing.

What is the Difference Between a Hypnotist and a Hypnotherapist?

Understanding the difference between a hypnotist and a hypnotherapist can help you choose the right professional support.

A hypnotist may use hypnosis primarily for demonstration, entertainment, or basic relaxation purposes. While some hypnotists offer sessions aimed at behaviour change, their training may not include therapeutic or psychological methods.

A hypnotherapist, however, is trained to integrate hypnosis with recognised therapeutic techniques. This allows them to work with a wider range of emotional and psychological issues in a safe, structured, and supportive way.

A qualified hypnotherapist has additional training in therapeutic processes that may include areas such as:

• Psychotherapy

• Cognitive and behavioural approaches

• Trauma-informed practice

• Mind–body techniques

This training enables the therapist to work more deeply with underlying patterns that may be contributing to challenges such as anxiety, stress, trauma, or low mood.

What is Hypno-Psychotherapy?

Hypno-Psychotherapy combines the principles of psychotherapy with the focused, relaxed state created through hypnosis.

Unlike traditional talking therapies that work primarily at the conscious level, hypno-psychotherapy allows therapeutic work to also take place at the subconscious level, where many of our automatic responses, coping patterns, and beliefs are formed.

During hypno-psychotherapy, we may explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences either within hypnosis or through conversation, depending on what feels most helpful for you. The approach is always flexible and tailored to your individual needs.

Working within a hypnotic framework can support deeper emotional processing and help facilitate sustained and meaningful change, as it allows us to work directly with the internal patterns that influence how you think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges.

A Personalised and Collaborative Approach

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy.

Each person brings their own experiences, strengths, and inner resources to the therapeutic process. For this reason, every client I work with receives a bespoke treatment plan, tailored specifically to their needs, goals, and pace.

An important part of my approach is the collaborative relationship between therapist and client. Therapy works best when it feels safe, supportive, and grounded in mutual respect.

Together, we work to explore the challenges you are facing, helping you reconnect with your inner resources and develop the tools needed to move towards greater balance, resilience, and wellbeing.